The Official Roku Blog finally announced the new and much smaller Roku 2 product line, and the new models include an updated Netlfix channel with subtitles and 1080p support. The $99 Roku XS has a beefier GPU and a new Bluetooth remote that enables gaming on the Roku, and includes a copy of Angry Birds.

Three models of the Roku 2 are available: the Roku 2 HD ($59 – 720p), Roku 2 XD ($79 – 1080p) and Roku 2 XS ($99 – Enhanced Remote, Ethernet, USB, 1080p). Only the XS comes standard with the new enhanced remote control, but all the models now include Bluetooth, so you will soon be able to add the motion remote for use with these models for $29.

The new models should be available by the end of July and will be available from Roku, Amazon, Best Buy, Fry's and Radio Shack.

Roku also announced that they now offer 300 channels, including Facebook, Fox News, and they're working on an official YouTube app.

The big question over at the Roku Blog seems to be around supporting the older models. I'd like to know that as well because right now I don't see a huge need for me to go buy a new one.

The one thing that would get me to buy a new one would be if they had a more robust feature set for playing local media. I'm using a WD HD TV right now and while it supports quite a few formats, I have more issues with it than I do with my Roku player. I was happy when they got Netflix support and considered upgrading for that reason but have only heard bad things about that. If Roku could make the simple Netflix+LocalMedia player, I'd upgrade in a hurry.

So will older Roku owners get the subtitles feature, or do you have to buy the new hardware?

I can play Angry Birds on my desktop machine, on my iPad or iPhone, so frankly having it on the Roku isn't all that compelling to me. But I'd bought my Roku with the idea that it would eventually support subtitles. Am I about to be screwed on that?

I have the same question as James- Can I get netflix captions now through my Roku XS box that I bought 2 months ago?? I really dont want to pay for an upgrade to a Roku 2 just for this feature. Does anyone have any details about this?

The big question we are looking for in the new roku 2. One big question i looking is "WILL BE STILL HAVE OFF AND ON SEARCH FEATURE BECAUSE I GOT LITTLE SISTER I DONT HER TO SEE R RATED MOVIES OR SEARCH MOVIES. ( reply for answer)
we got getting a new upgrade youtube app i hope it will crackle, other free movies and rental. So roku will come with 4.0 firmwire end of july will old model get it.